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About Proper Paige

My name
is Heather. Proper Paige is my pen name. Having a pen name seemed
like an excellent idea when I started this blog back in 2007 because it would
enable me to be anonymous in a way that seemed right for an etiquette blog.

But then,
I wrote things and wanted my friends to read. I realized the pen name had
to go. Or, at least, share the marquee with my real name. So, I'm
Heather, and I'm Proper Paige. It's lovely to meet you.

I grew up
on Maryland's Eastern Shore, but live in Austin now and love it
every.single.day. I learned a lot of what I write about from my mother
(Proper Mother). She taught me to always write a thank you note and to
always wear a slip. My track record on slips is not great, for the
record. I really love sparkling water, good coffee, and a Manhattan
on the rocks. I was an English major and tend to mention that, oh, still.
I suspect that I am bad at losing arguments.

This may
or may not be because I am an attorney.

I believe
that etiquette has almost nothing to do with which fork you use (though I love
a fish fork, the unsung hero of the silver chest) and more about how you treat
people. If you are gracious and people are comfortable around you, I
think that is success. Even if you use
the wrong fork. You know what I mean?

I strive
to be a good person. Or, at least, the person that my dogs and Proper
Toddler think I am.

I think
my Proper Husband is The Best Thing Ever. I like a good run, when I have
time, and a vintage handbag. I love to write.